‘No one realised how bad it was’: Teacher in Japan lockdown

Jason Gibbs
Sports Editor
Jason Gibbs has been a journalist for more than 10 years working in both general and sport teams.
After stints in Kingaroy and Mackay, Jason took on the Sports Editor role with The Chronicle in 2017.

MAKING his dream move to Japan, Bryan Marriage knew exactly what he was walking into.

COVID-19 cases had been reported in Osaka and Hokkaido but there were no reports of the virus in the region near Tokyo where he would be employed as an English teacher, and the massive outbreaks in Italy, the United States and Spain had yet to happen.

"I had been to Japan before and loved it," Mr Marriage said.

"I enjoy the cleanliness, the politeness of the people, the food, culture, even the public transport.

"When I applied for the job I did not think I would get accepted, so when I was, it was an opportunity that was hard to turn down.

"There were limited travel advisories at the time I left (Mr Marriage arrived in Japan on March 1) and I don't think anyone realised just how bad things would become.

"I had been in contact with the employment company before leaving and they had kept me informed about the situation and how they were handling COVID-19, as well as what our situation would be if it did worsen.

"Locals were naturally being a little bit cautious, limiting how much they went out, but the only travel restrictions were going overseas to China or Korea and going to the Osaka area.

"Early on I thought Australia was going to be in a worse situation than Japan, and my main concern about being in a foreign country was being away from my family if something happened to them."

The situation in Japan has changed in the past few days though with an official "state of emergency" declared.

"The month long State of Emergency for seven regions in Japan, includes Tokyo and the surrounding prefectures Chiba and Saitama where most of my work is," Mr Marriage said.

"Unlike other countries, there is no lockdown, as the prime minister and others say they are not able to do that, however it is an official request for people to stay at home except for essential tasks, and requests in Japan are very much like demands.

"Public naming and shaming of those people and companies who don't comply is a big incentive in Japan where reputation means so much.

"Most companies are following the instructions and having staff work from home if possible, or stay at home in general.

"I will receive 60% of my wage, which will be enough to live off, and have been asked to stay at home unless it is essential."

The change in "state" has created fresh concerns for Mr Marriage but he focused on "rolling with it".

"I'm in share accommodation, which is a bit of a concern but most people are doing the right thing," he said.

"Probably the biggest frustration for me is I'd just started a new life but right now I can't explore, meet new people and experience things.

"Right now I'm focused on building up my Japanese skills, working on IT certifications, and going over the teaching material that I have received so I will be ready to go when the shutdown is finished."